Simon Brennan

Simon Brennan is an Assistant Professor in Education with expertise in Philosophy of Education and Ethical, Multi-Belief and Values Education (EMBVE). Simon gained a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Milltown Institute of Theology and Philosophy, a Masters in Music Education from Trinity College Dublin and a PGCE from Brunel University London. He is currently completing a PhD in Mary Immaculate College for which he was awarded a Research Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship in 2024. 

Before taking up his current position at MIC, Simon was a Teaching Fellow in Philosophy of Education at Mary Immaculate College and lectured part-time in Music Education at Trinity College Dublin. He has also worked as an educator and primary teacher across mainstream, learning support, SEN, and international contexts in Kenya, Uganda, the UK, Costa Rica, and Ireland.

Simon is an experienced facilitator of philosophical inquiry (P4wC/Socratic Dialogue), having trained with Thoughtful (formerly SAPERE) and the Society for the Furtherance of Critical Philosophy. He delivers continuing professional development for teachers on using philosophical inquiry within the Goodness Me, Goodness You! curriculum (ETBI).

In addition to his educational work, Simon has a background as a professional musician and recording artist, releasing three albums and touring extensively across Ireland, the UK, and Europe. His research interests include Philosophy for/with Children, Global Citizenship Education, EMBVE, Music and Aesthetic Education.